Knowledge to Action Series Cost Effectiveness Use Case: The Cost-Benefits of Wastewater Surveillance in Long-Term Care 

Publication Summary

Long-term care (LTC) residents are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections such as influenza, RSV, and pneumonia due to factors like advanced age, existing health conditions, and congregate living environments. The knowledge-to-action series on the cost-benefits of wastewater surveillance in long-term care looks at cost and benefit elements associated with wastewater-based surveillance in long-term care facilities. This report is based on literature findings and a single use case example of WBS in a Quebec long-term care home. WBS acts as an early warning system by detecting viral signals before clinical symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention. When used alongside clinical testing, WBS can reduce infections, hospitalizations, healthcare costs, and improve resident quality of life.